Magnificant Markets

I think this is a first for me; two days of consecutive blogging! :) I'm running a bit late with this one, but there are so many images/impressions swirling in my mind and I'm anxious to record them! I hope you all don't mind following along a bit! Also, there are a few pics. at the end!

So we relished our second day of exploration. We are tickled to have navigated the city and managed to find not only our destination(s) of choice but stumble upon some hidden treasures too! We started our day off with a walk to the Jade market & Aborigine street fair where we browsed among local artisans and were wowed by their skill and craftsmanship. We found several treasures, probably more than we needed.....lol....and we were delighted when the shopkeepers encouraged us to haggle over prices! That was new and different for us and though I don't know if we truly got any bargains, all parties were left smiling afterwards. That was fun!

On our way back to the hotel, we stumbled onto a sweet little park adjacent to an elementary school. We love that we can be halfway around the world, in a city of 3 million and find a tiny sanctuary tucked away into the hustle & bustle. Of course we cannot pass up a park (channeling our best girl Lauren)and raced over to try out some of the equipment. We also spotted a magpie but missed it with our camera. They are a much larger bird than expected!

Later in the day we walked to the Xingtian Temple and were awed with the beauty of the structure and its spirituality. We want to learn a bit more about it and plan to ask Fion about it tomorrow. It was lovely.

We also finally broke down and hailed a cab to take us to the Raohe Night Market. There must have been thousands of folks in attendance and it was an eclectic mix of vendors from: food counters, arcade games, clothing stalls/shops, knickknacks, shoe stalls ( so many places to find shoes in Taiwan!) and other quirky shops. It was absolutely overwhelming, crowded, crazy and we LOVED it! Scott also found an indigenous woodwind instrument as he had hoped to do, so it was a huge success. We had purchased an instrument in Kazakhstan too, so this find was both important and special to us.

Finally I have to share some random impressions...........scooters....EVERYWHERE! They zip, weave and wind all over the roads ( and occasionally the sidewalks!); I was white knuckled just watching them, but after a bit you realize its like a strange choreographed dance and somehow it just works! We have also noticed quite a few loose dogs on the streets. Not a single one barks and they are all so mellow. Most of them appear to have collars and we do believe that they have families. Several shopkeepers seem to bring them along for the workday and its delightful to see them peek out from store fronts or be perched next to an outdoor stall. Car rides and traffic........cars race at breakneck speeds down the city streets, then streak to a halt for traffic lights. They love to tap the horn and today we watched one driver blowing bubbles out of his window at a red light! What a great way to diffuse the rigors of a commute! :)

Well my friends and family, tomorrow is our DAY. The day we meet our son. Words cannot express our anticipation and joy. Our baby bag is all packed with sweet things and our time is here......I promise to be back with photos of our beautiful baby boy!!

Lauren's Corner: Hi Doll ! So glad to chat with you tonight and hear your sweet voice! I know you are having a super time with Mimi & Papa! We are so proud of you!! Enjoy the visit with the A's today and remember we love and miss you very much!! Hugs and kisses......Mama


Scott resting by a tree at the fair.............I love the fountains behind him too!

The Xingtian Temple.......look close for the man in blue! ;)

Peek-a-boo at the park!! Different day.....yes, same hoodie jacket! lol

Look at that! LISA Weddings.......couldn't resist!